It has been quite the trying year for the nation, and even more so if you live in DC. Some of us looked for ways to decompress and escape from the political madness.
I couldn’t think of a more appropriate time to light up and bar hop at some of my favorite watering holes. The next time you are in the nation’s capital, consider one of my top 5 spots.
1) The Wonderland Ballroom & Bar
Address: 1101 Kenyon St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Phone:(202) 232-5263
This dive bar (commonly known as Wonderland) just happens to by my personal “Cheers.” I doubt everyone knows my name beyond a few of the bartenders, but I always feel like I am among friends when I drop in. It’s one of the few places I don’t mind frequenting alone on a crowded night without feeling like the chick who couldn’t get a date. Also a great place to stop by in the spring if you are walking your dog, since Fido is welcome on the patio. Trivia nights are the best since most of us transform into trivia masters with a little THC in our system…at least I do.
2) Lyman’s Tavern
3720 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011
(202) 723-0502
The retro pinball machines are one of my favorite highlights at this neighborhood bar. Take care of your munchies with free popcorn and chase it down with beer, while playing one of the pinball machines.
(I shut down The Walking Dead machine with a high score the first time I went).
If it just happens to be your birthday, take advantage of the drink special. All drinks under $5 are free for birthday peeps.
3) Songbyrd Music House & Cafe
2477 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 450-2917
If you dig vinyl, this is the place to visit. Songbyrd features a vinyl shop/café, bar AND entertainment venue. If you’re lucky, you can catch a comedy show, jazz brunch or a listening party with a local band. Every last Tuesday of the month, people flock to the SHAOLIN JAZZ -CAN I KICK IT? Event; a unique blend of old school martials film screenings accompanied by old-school hip hop spun by DJ 2 Tone Jones.
4) Zeba Bar
3423 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 506-4603
What better way to chase your cannabis session, than with hookah smoke? Zeba Lounge offers 50 % off your favorite hookah flavor during happy hour (5 – 8 p.m. daily). You can also snack on $4 wings and wash it down with one of Zeba’s $4 signature cocktails. Take a stroll upstairs and enjoy one of the lounge’s world music nights, featuring salsa, reggae and African tunes.
5) El Chuchos
(202) 290-3313
3313 11th Street NW, Washington, DC 20010
Sadly, I am allergic to the drink El Chuchos masters: tequila. The bar offers about 50 types of the agave-based drink, $1 chips and salsa and the most amazing chimichangas. Patrons can also enjoy happy hour all night from 4 p.m. on Mondays.
Despite my allergy, I really love this place because of the atmosphere…and also because it is walking distance from my house (which means my cannabis buzz can still be on 10). The $3 happy hour taco specials are yummy and perfectly sized for the munchies…and sharing if, you must.
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